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Mändli wins downtown debut in the Longines FEI World Cup of Washington

Sunday, 29 October 2017

CSI4*-W Washington 2017

Beat Mändli and Dsarie won the Longines FEI World Cup in Washington. Photo (c) FEI/Ashley Neuhof.

Beat Mändli’s first trip to Washington International Horse Show proved resoundingly successful when he topped a thrilling 11-horse jump-off with Dsarie (Veron x Ahorn) to win the Longines FEI World Cup in the heart of the United States’ capital.

Mändli (SUI) and Grand Road Partners’ 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare blitzed a top class field which included the top two ranked riders in the world, Kent Farrington (USA) and McLain Ward (USA). Ward finished second with HH Callas (Albatros x Quattro B), less than three-tenths of a second off the winning time of 32.07 seconds (32.30). Catherine Tyree (USA) and Enjoy Louis (Coriano x Kannan) finished third, turning in a career-best finish in this World Cup qualifying competition.

"I feel great! Everything worked out better than I was thinking at the start of the week. I’m just super happy for the horse and for the whole team. It was great night for me!" Mändli said after his win.

The indoor track designed by Alan Wade saw 11 of the 26 competitors jump cleanly in the first round, making for an incredibly competitive and fast-paced jump-off. Despite it being his mount’s World Cup qualifier debut, Mändli was confident enough to take risks over the shortened course, confirming the championship potential he sees in Dsarie.

“I have had her for four years now, and I really think she’s a superstar,” he said. “She can go very far also doing some championships, I hope. She’s only nine years old, and there’s nothing she can’t do. So, I’m very happy to have her.”

The North American League held a double-header on 28 October 2017, with Isabelle Lapierre earning her second victory of the league this season in Calgary (CAN) on the West Coast. The East Coast Sub League continues in Lexington (USA) on 4 November 2017.